Almendras is now secretary to the Cabinet, a position which reportedly pits him with Executive Secretary Jojo Ochoa.

In an interview after the event, Almendras categorically downplayed insinuations that he is encroaching or overlapping the powers of the Executive Secretary.

"People will try to put something between the ES and me, I have no issues with him, I follow his lead because he is the Executive Secretary," says Almendras.

Meanwhile, Petilla says the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation, the entity which absorbs NAPOCOR's debts and power plants, will give back the overcharged amount on line rental paid by distribution utilities like Meralco.

Meralco estimated the double charged line rental costs at nearly P10 billion. Other electric cooperativess have been overcharged as well.